Location: Kandy
Top Things to do in Kandy
Top 10 Free Things to do in Kandy, Central Province
Kandy (Sinhalese: මහනුවර Mahanuwara, pronounced [mahanuʋərə]; Tamil: கண்டி, pronounced [ˈkaɳɖi]) is a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
Restaurants in Kandy
1. Sriya & Daya Curio Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Sriya & Daya Curio shop was established in the year 1965. Since then we have been able to achieve tremendous growth to become one of the leading names in the tourist industry in Sri Lanka today. Our authentic antiques, curios and jewelery have won the hearts of tourists all around the globe. Every single product of Sriya & Daya Curio shop gives ultimate customer satisfaction. We take our high quality products to the customers through our showroom located in Kandy.
Reviewed By 710anuradhac
I am a collector of artefacts especially statues ... and I must say I was very fortunate to stumble upon this shop on Facebook and managed to contact the owner Sriya..They have very unusual and beautiful statues of ancient gods and kings which are priced very reasonably. The owners are a kind couple who make sure the goods are delivered to you undamged and speedily. I hope one day I can visit their shop in Kandy.
2. Jayamali Batiks Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 414 reviews
Some Guides and Drivers could try to recommend you another batik shop by saying that my shop is closed today or difficult to find, etc;. Please do not believe such people. Please call me or use Google map to find my store easily. My shop is situated inside the Kandy Central Market which is opposite the Kandy Clock Tower and it is not difficult to find as it is a well known local market in Kandy. The shop is open from 9.00am to 6.00pm every day. In case if the shop is closed, please call me or get a free call from the shop which is next to mine as it is a pleasure to open my store for you within next 20 minutes. Jayamali Batiks Studio, one of the most famous batik studios in Kandy, was founded in 1979 by Jayakody. He discovered his talent to create unique batik wall hangings and started the business with very few means at his home as a family business. His unique style of designing modern, artistic and unusual designs to a very high quality fascinated the foreign guests who visited his studio.
Reviewed By MaryemZ - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I visited Jayamali batik studio during my visit to Kandy this May mid with my husband. We had called him before visiting as we wanted to understand the directions to his shop. He was very very patient with explaining us the way multiple times as somehow we had lost our sense of direction (we had THE most relaxing vacation in the beautiful Sri Lanka so...don't judge!!) He also updated us that he had stepped out of the studio but his friend at next shop will assist us. Which he did! Once we reached his studio, only one word can describe my experience there - AMAZING! His shop is decorated with all of his beautiful samples of exquisitely made Batiks. You will not see the usual ones made with maximum two or three colours (which I did see in other shops later on). His creations are very different. The number of colours he uses in one piece are many so that gives the first impression that he's a true artist and is not just making them for mass tourist attraction. Secondly there were so many different designs to chose from - fit to match all tastes. For me it was honestly a hard decision to choose one design. His friend was very patient in opening up all the designs for me. Also it made a perfectly unique gift for my friends and family back home. My only regret is that I didn't have a chance to meet him, although if I had more time, he very kindly did inform me that he was on his way. It was truly my highlight of the day and I will recommend Jayamali Batik studio to anyone hands down!! Yes you will find many shops selling batik in kandy, but once you actually see his work you will truly know the difference. Most of the shops I stopped at later in my trip did have pieces which were of mediocre quality plus only had three colours maximum. Batik is an art form which looks the best and in my opinion honoured when you can see in actual the time the artist spends on one creation! I found this here, and I only wish him the best!
3. Tikka Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
At Tikka Tours, officially it is Oasis Tours and Travels, customer satisfaction is our number one priority.We provide a variety of services ranging from air-port pickups to full vacations. We have more than 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. We are among the top picks for tourists which are looking for an adventurous time in Sri Lanka. Our aim is to show guests this beautiful island beyond the usual routes. Big tour operators are driving just from A to B. We know many places which are away from the usual routes and are happy if guests feel like a part of this island.
4. Waruna Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Antiques Jewelery Antique Textiles Coins Masks Statues Objects Contemporary And Antique Paintings Wood Carvings
Reviewed By AnnefromBelgium111 - Brussels, Belgium
Waruna is indeed 'one of a kind', a self made man, very spiritual and...het speaks really good English ( a bonus). The intimate shop is a labyrinth - treasure trove for real antiques and quirky objects. But beware of what happende to me once: a tuktuk driver nearly refused to bring me there... 'Waruna not good etc, better other shop... "I was laughing in myself as i know Waruna for some years... and indeed, no fat commission there for just dropping off a client (though i am pretty sure some driver who really does an effort will be rewarded properly) .You may be interested to know that he is also the creator of that marvelously pittoresque Samadhi Ayurvedic Center/Resort in a remote valley in the region.
5. Kandy Garrison Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Reviewed By LordRay - Kristianstad, Sweden
Very interesting visit. Takes about 5 min to walk from the temple. The cemetery is being handled by a non-profit organization. When we visited there were two older gentleman that gave us a little tour. All is free - but please give em a little contribution for their effort!
6. LUV SL Kandy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By Mahmuljinova - Zagreb, Croatia
Best souvenir shop! They have such beautiful items. Awesome mugs for 850 rupees, cotton shirts with cool Sri Lanka print for 1150 rupees, and lots more! Also the staff is super kind plus they have a good wifi. Loved the place, it is near the Tooth temple, right on the main street. For some nice (by nice I mean quality and cool) and inexpensive souvenirs make sure to check this place out!
7. Kandy War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Formerly known as Pitakande Military Cemetery, it was acquired originally by the military authorities, and was subsequently taken over by the Commission as a permanent war cemetery. Kandy is in central Sri Lanka, 910 metres above sea-level. It is 121 kilometres north-east of Colombo, from which it is easily reached by road. From the Botanical Gardens at Peridenya, take the road to Kandy. Just past the gardens, take a left turning at the roadside direction sign, down Lady Magdalene Drive. The Cemetery is approximately 1.5 kilometres along this road.
Reviewed By MrBlueRL - Leeds, United Kingdom
Thanks to our tuk-tuk driver, Jenudeen, we visited this beautiful little cemetery. We would never have known about it nor visited it if he hadn't shown us. It's not huge, which means you can pay every grave the respect it is due by visiting and looking at the names of all the men buried here. It is genuinely moving to see the graves of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Jew and Sikhs side by side. A sad reminder that in death, we are all equal. The garden is impeccably kept, and it is one of the prettiest graveyards you will ever see. Worth taking the time to visit and experience some tranquillity.
8. Monte Fano
9. Selyn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Selyn is Sri Lanka's only Fair Trade guaranteed Handloom company that engages the traditional Sri Lankan community of Handloom weavers in bringing to you products made of 100% cotton and infinite measures of skill and devotion. Selyn's Fair Trade shop in Kandy offers a wide selection of brightly colored hand woven clothing, accessories, toys and fabrics. The only World Fair Trade Organization registered fair trade shop in Kandy, it is located right across from the Temple of the Tooth. Look for our colorful billboards as you leave the temple! Also vist our shops in Colombo, Kurunegala and Negombo.
Reviewed By 505Rach - Manchester, United Kingdom
A lovely fair trade shop on temple street. An easy to miss doorway opposite the temple, this shop has an upstairs filled with some really great souvenirs, clothing and homeware. We loved it so much we went twice!
